PIONEERING scientists have discovered our brains contain genetic “markers” which could be used to unlock memories after people die – and even get justice for murder victims.

The exciting breakthrough, by a team led by Dr Ami Citri at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, conjures up parallels with science fiction shows such as Black Mirror, as well as opening the door for all kinds of other applications, including the possibility of repairing brain damage.

Dr Citri’s team looked at the formation of memories in mice.

Researchers were able to tell which specimens had been in which test group simply by looking at the relative gene expression, with an accuracy rate of more than 90 per cent.

Following the success of the research in dead mice, his researchers hope to apply their techniques to living animals and, ultimately, humans - with the tantalising possibility of examining the fresh memories of murder victims with a view to catching their killers.